Storing a Battery for Winter or the Off-Season

Proper battery storage during the winter or off-season can help extend battery life and improve performance when the battery is placed back into service.

Whether you are storing a:

  • car battery
  • motorcycle battery
  • marine battery
  • RV battery
  • lawn and garden battery
  • golf cart battery

…following a few simple battery storage steps can help prevent premature battery failure. 

Clean the Battery

Before storing your battery, clean the case and terminals thoroughly.

If there are signs of corrosion or electrolyte residue:

  • use a battery cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water
  • carefully clean the terminals and battery surface
  • avoid allowing any cleaning solution to enter the battery

You can also clean the battery tray or battery compartment to help neutralize any acid residue.

After cleaning:

  • rinse with clean water
  • dry the battery thoroughly

Inspect the Battery

Once cleaned, inspect the battery for signs of damage including:

  • cracked battery case
  • swollen sides
  • loose terminals
  • excessive corrosion
  • damaged cables or connectors

If you notice any concerns, have the battery inspected by a battery specialist or qualified technician.

Check Electrolyte Levels (Flooded Batteries)

If you have a conventional flooded lead acid battery, check the electrolyte levels before storage.

The electrolyte should remain:

  • above the minimum level
  • below the maximum fill line

If necessary:

  • add distilled water only
  • avoid overfilling
  • check levels on a flat, level surface

Once the electrolyte levels are correct, fully charge the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

AGM and Maintenance-Free Batteries

Sealed batteries such as:

  • AGM batteries
  • VRLA batteries
  • maintenance-free batteries

…do not require water maintenance.

These batteries should never be opened once in service, as permanent damage may occur.

After cleaning and inspection, fully charge the battery before storage.

Store the Battery Properly

Store the battery in:

  • a cool, dry location
  • away from direct sunlight
  • away from children and pets

A fully charged battery is much less likely to freeze during cold weather storage.

Monitor Battery State of Charge

Check the battery voltage periodically during storage. Every 2–3 months is generally a good guideline for many applications.

Recharge the battery if the voltage drops significantly below full charge.

Quality smart chargers and maintainers such as NOCO or Battery Tender chargers can help maintain proper battery voltage during storage.

Proper Battery Storage Helps Extend Battery Life

Proper off-season battery maintenance can help:

  • reduce sulfation
  • prevent freezing
  • extend battery life
  • improve reliability
  • reduce unexpected battery failure

Need help choosing a battery charger or maintainer? Contact Royal Battery Sales for assistance.

You can also read our summer battery care tips for warm weather battery maintenance advice.